Turbo Compressor Overhaul (Scheduled Maintenance · Gearbox Inspection)
Turbo Compressor Semi & Full Overhaul
We perform semi overhauls, which clean the air path only, and full overhauls, which open the gearbox to service the gears and bearings. Bearing clearances are measured and recorded as the basis for deciding when the next overhaul is due.
Semi overhaul
Without opening the gearbox, only the air path is disassembled and cleaned. Removing fouling and corrosion from the impellers, diffusers and scrolls restores efficiency. We generally recommend an inspection within three years.
Clean impellers and diffusers, remove fouling inside scrolls and piping
Check and record corrosion in the air path
Inspection with the gearbox unopened
Full overhaul
The gearbox is opened to clean the oil-lubricated internals, including gears and bearings, and the air path is serviced at the same time.
Replacement parts are mainly O-rings, gaskets and filters (breather element, intake filter, oil filter).
Scope of work
Area | Work |
|---|---|
Gearbox | Open, clean gear and bearing areas, check assembly condition |
Bearings | Measure clearances — check and record clearance consumed against running hours |
Air path | Clean impellers, diffusers, scrolls and air seals |
Replacement parts | O-rings, gaskets, breather element, intake filter, oil filter |
Why measuring bearing clearance matters
Once a tilting pad journal bearing is in normal operation, an oil film forms between the shaft and the bearing, and they rotate without touching.
That is why there is almost no wear and the service life is semi-permanent.
However, at the moment of starting and stopping, before the oil film has formed, the bearing supports the shaft directly and contact occurs. In other words, the more often a compressor is started and stopped, the faster its bearings wear. Measuring the clearance at each overhaul therefore lets you decide the timing of the next overhaul on data. Because service life varies with operating conditions, measured values are a more accurate guide than a fixed interval.
Overhaul inquiries
Tell us the model, accumulated running hours and recent vibration and performance data (control panel status screen), and we will judge whether a semi or full overhaul is the appropriate scope.
We also review the air supply plan for the duration of the maintenance.
